QPR predicted XI v Millwall as Julien Stephan faces 'toughest selection for years' with Poku and Chair boost

QPR return to Championship action this weekend in a London derby against Millwall and head coach Julien Stephan faces the toughest team selection that the west London outfit may have had for years.

The R’s are in fine form, unbeaten in their last six, and are also boosted by the return to fitness of several key first team players over the international break. Ilias Chair, Kwame Poku, Jake Clarke-Salter and Rhys Norrington-Davies are now all back and hoping for minutes.

It’s a luxurious position for QPR to be in, and one that will have Millwall boss Alex Neil second guessing what to expect. LondonWorld looks at a predicted QPR XI.

QPR predicted XI for Millwall

Goalkeeper: Paul Nardi

Defenders: Jimmy Dunne, Amadou Mbengue, Liam Morrison, Esquerdinha

It was the goalkeeping position that looked to be causing Julien Stephan the most headaches in his early weeks at Loftus Road. Joe Walsh had controversially ousted Paul Nardi from the number one spot, but then fractured his wrist, with Ben Hamer then snapped up as a free agent. The French shot-stopper has now started the last five league outings.

Amadou Mbengue is likely to return to the starting XI having served his suspension against Bristol City last time out. The 23-year-old should partner Liam Morrison. Jake Clarke-Salter is fit again but his return must be managed with caution given the persistent nature of that injury.

Jimmy Dunne will captain the side at right-back with Stephan having a bigger choice to make on the other flank. Rhys Norrington-Davies has shaken off his knock but young Esquerdinha was impressive last time out. The Brazilian could start in front of the home crowd against Millwall with the Sheffield United loanee coming in against Swansea City on Wednesday.

Ilias Chair and Kwame Poku fit again for QPR

Defensive Midfielders: Nicolas Madsen, Jonathan Varane

Attacking Midfielders: Karomoko Dembele, Harvey Vale, Koki Saito

QPR supporters may not have been able to imagine a world where Nicolas Madsen was the first name on the teamsheet, but here we are. The 25-year-old has been a revelation this season and is forming quite the partnership with Jonathan Varane.

The attacking midfield three gives Stephan the biggest selection dilemma this week with Kwame Poku and Ilias Chair fit again. Normally, those two would be rushed back into action given their influence, but recent form means there is no rush for change.

Koki Saito and Karamoko Dembele could therefore start again with Stephan able to turn to Poku, Chair, Paul Smyth or even Rayan Kolli early from the bench.

Striker: Richard Kone

Rumarn Burrell didn’t play for Jamaica on Wednesday but was one of the last players to return to London following the international break. With a midweek fixture to contend with, he could be rested with Richard Kone pushed up to the most advanced role.

Harvey Vale has the versatility to then sit in behind, unless Stephan does deem Chair fit and important enough to be deployed centrally straight away.

In other news, QPR v Millwall with 3 outs and 1 doubt as both sides get big injury boosts.